Asia

1. Shanghai's Bund

2. Augenblick: Un Instant de Brâhma

3. Madame de Shanghai

Asia,Trio D'Argent,Musisoft [Media 7],Int'l & World Music,Pop

Average customer rating: Needs a remixing And yet... Surprising & Enjoyable.... around an 88% ASIA's Live Show Now on CD

Fantasia - Live In Tokyo: 2007 (2CD) Asia Manufacturer: Eagle Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Indie Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Snakes & Arrows Live at Montreux 2003 Icon II: Rubicon Live in Glasgow Somewhere Else ASIN: B000QFCD5O Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Time Again
2. Wildest Dreams
3. One Step Closer
4. Roundabout
5. Without You
6. Cutting It Fine
7. Steve Howe Guitar Solo
8. Fanfare For The Common Man
9. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes

Tracks:

1. Don't Cry
2. Court Of The Crimson King
3. Here Comes The Feeling
4. Video Killed The Radio Star
5. The Heat Goes On / Carl Palmer Drum Solo
6. Only Time Will Tell
7. Sole Survivor
8. Ride Easy
9. Heat Of The Moment

Album Description

Asia, featuring members of Yes, ELP and King Crimson, was the first "supergroup" of the eighties. Their eponymous debut album, released in 1982, was a huge success racking up global sales in excess of 15 million copies. In 2006 the original four members reunited for the first time in over 20 years for a series of concerts in the US and the UK. The success of this tour led to a full-blown world tour running throughout 2007 in celebration of their 25th anniversary. This CD was recorded in Tokyo in March 2007 on the Japanese leg of the tour. The companion DVD will be released in Fall 2007 on Eaglevision.

Customer Reviews:

Needs a remixing.......2007-08-04

I saw the reunited Asia in concert in Toronto on Canada Day weekend and this recording doesn't do the band justice. Carl Palmer's drumming at the Toronto show was astounding...he was the driving force behind the performance and his kit sounded incredible. But I find the drums are buried on this recording...I have to strain to hear some of his rolls because they're simply muffled. As well, John Wetton's vocals are too far "up front". The music needs to be a bit louder to achieve a better balance.

All that said, this is still a good performance and the "unplugged" versions of Don't Cry, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes and Ride Easy are fantastic.

And yet..........2007-07-28

I bought this CD mainly for a nostalgia factor, since my memories of past live albums should have kept me away from it. But it was the original band...To my surprise this is the best sounding live CD from the band so far. Wetton is much better here than Lake was in '83, and nobody wants to remember Moscow. The band seems relaxed, even in their solos, and there is a level of showmanship (which is expected), that really outshines other recordings.
I generally dislike "unplugged" versions of anything, but I was surprised that "Don't Cry" and "the Smile has Left Your Eyes" sound extraordinary in their new incarnations.
The real gem of the CD (worth the price of admission) is "In the Court of the Crimson King", a 4 1/2 minute rendition that sounds solid, with a guitar arrangement from Howe that sounds like a respectful hommage to both his own 70's work in Yes, and the intricate virtuosity of Fripp (Yes, I'm a Crimson fan).
And now, the bad news... The voice and keyboards are a bit forward on the sound mix, and unfortunately some songs have the drums buried in an ancient tomb. I think Palmer's drum sound is a bit outdated, a pity because I love his playing on most ELP recordings (including the live ones). "Only time will tell" has the worst drum mix of the CD, hi-hats and cymbals are all over the place, when you hear them; and I refuse to think it's the drummer's fault (c'mon this guy played Prokofiev live!).
Other than that "Roundabout" should have been rehearsed a bit, it's too erratic even at the slower tempo which they chose (listen to recent Yes live in "The House of Yes" for a killer version).
The rest of the songs are fine, and I can actually confess that as a nostalgia item, it turned out be better than a lot of the stuff out there today!

AR

Surprising & Enjoyable...........2007-07-26

The vintage tracks from Yes, ELP, & King Crimson alone were nearly worth buying the record. I never thought the Buggles were anything to brag about since their only claim to fame was being the first video.. you know the rest. They played that tune just to appease Geoff Downes who really never had any success on his own. It was evident when he tried to hold Asia together after everyone split. Anyway.... wish they would have recorded a show in the states somewhere, probably wouldn't have drawn what they did in Japan though. Wish they would have put Starless & Bible Black on here. Like I said up top, they earned some serious cool points for Roundabout, In the Court, etc... & did Steve Howe a solid by letting him do his virtuoso thing. Should have went all out on Don't Cry... forget doing the acoustic version.

around an 88%.......2007-07-25

Strong sounding CD with solid bottom end (kick drum and bass) ... What I really like about it is it's from one live show ... I don't like live CDs that are a hodge-podge of different shows ... I'm as big an ASIA fan as there is so I'll give my straight impressions:
Track: Time Again - Just a kick-a#* song, get's everybody going. Always loved the cynical lyrics
Wildest Dreams - One of ASIA's strongest, most epic-sounding songs ...
bass is strong as are drums, Steve Howe's guitar sound is weak on this one for some reason, Wetton's voice is sort of weak in places but he pretty much nails the high parts when they come along.
Roundabout - Way better than the orginal Yes version ... totally different vocals of course but heavier and ballsier courtesy of Wetton's rumbling bass and Carl Palmer's heavier drums. Those out there who say this doesn't compare to the Yes version are living in the past. Yes are a prog band / Asia are a ROCK band (a semi-heavy rock band when you hear other tracks like "Soul Survivor" ~ which Wetton absolutely nails the vocals in that one ...)
Without You - This one doesn't really work, live, and I'm not sure why. Now, on the tour, they're doing "Midnight Sun" I think, which is a kooler song anyway. On "Without You" the instrumental breaks are great, the end verse is nice with the chimes and acoustic guitar (of some sort, I don't know enough about guitars to know what it is ...) I don't know, live parts of this song sound choppy.
Cutting It Fine - Kool tune, Geoff does kool job of blending the original intrumental ending with new modern keyboard sounds.
Guitar Solo - Very good but I'm not a fan of that style of guitar playing
Fanfare For Common Man - Asia's version of this just kicks the crap out of everthing, ELP or otherwise ... Steve Howe really shines on this as does Geoff.
Smile Has Left Your Eyes - Still quite the emotional ballad, in a lower key these days but JW sings a couple real powerful notes at the end
Don't Cry - This acoustic version, turning it into a ballad is NOTHING SHORT OF BRILLIANT. If they record some new song that has this type of sound and can get it some airplay with a video it could bring Asia back in a huge way.
Court of Crimson King - Wetton does a good job on this one. The original is a super long sprawling piece of music that defines everything I hate about old-school progressive music. Geoff has his keyboard doing the Mellotron exactly. (Carl really does a kick-a#* job on this one).
Here Comes the Feeling - This is a live version that really works, with JW strongly belting the high notes. Interesting this version is a half-step below the original studio version, but a half-step ABOVE the key Greg Lake sang it in, back at the disastrous Asia in Asia show 12/1983. I own Enko Sai on CD (someone got it for me) and if you listen to both "Here Comes the Feeling"s you hear how Wetton is miles better now, in his late 50s, than Lake was in his 30s at the time of that MTV broadcast show.
(However, Greg Lake's voice was at one point quite good ... I have the live CD of his '81 solo tour) ..... side notes aside this is a good Wetton/Howe creation and it's kool how crisp they wrap up the ending of the song.
VKTRS - My favorite of the non-Asia songs, sounds more rock and it just plain ........ works. Still has that haunting melody at the end: "You
were___________________________ "
The Heat Goes On - Good rockin' song, drum solo shows why Carl is still pretty much the best in the business ... that guy is a monster ..... so-so
Wetton vocals, he doesn't consistently hold that high G in the chorus that's real important in the cut on the record (ALPHA). On the other hand, the live version is more raw, if you hear the studio version off ALPHA that's just an absolutely brilliantly recorded song (perhaps too brilliant?)
Sole Survivor and Only Time Will Tell - Both of these songs just rule!
Amazing how much emotion Wetton put into the verse melody of OTWT. These 2 songs are ASIA, I've always like them both better than "Heat of the Moment"
At least for "Heat of the Moment" this version closing the show has a heavier sound, with a crashing snare/tambourine hit of Carl Palmer and
Geoff using very kool 'voices' on his keyboards in the middle. The jam session at the end is interesting to hear.
Possibly the koolest thing on the whole CD is the acoustic guitar/piano version of "Ride Easy". Just has a kool vibe to it you might not expect from the band ASIA ..... now it would be kool if in future shows they maybe throw in the ALPHA-session b-side "Lying To Yourself", which is a great song.
This CD is just awesome ... These guys are bad-as-he*# musicians, that's
the short the long and the end of it. And the voice of JW (one of the
clearest voices in music) is leading this band ... which is as a band should be. {unless you're Velver Revolver}

ASIA's Live Show Now on CD.......2007-07-17

WOW! If you remeber the early 80's power prog and pop hit makers you'll love this collection. All the Wetton era hits summed up on two CD's. One of the things that caught my ear when I saw ASIA live and on this cd was Carl Palmer's fantastic playing. As a matter of fact the whole band is spot on. If we can only get them to do a DRAMA era yes song.

Average customer rating: Soul of Indian classical music - True Gem Classy Indian Chants Authentic Hindu Chants George and Ravi combine worship and melody for a one-of-akind experience uplifting

Chants Of India: Ravi Shankar; George Harrison Ravi Shankar , and George Harrison Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems General | Classical | Styles | Music India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Sounds of India The Essential Ravi Shankar West Meets East: The Historic Shankar Menuhin Collection Rise Three Ragas ASIN: B000002SMC Release Date: 1997-05-06

Tracks:

1. Vandanaa Trayee
2. Omkaaraaya Namaha
3. Vedic Chanting (One)
4. Asato Maa
5. Sahanaa Vavatu
6. Poornamadah
7. Gaayatri
8. Mahaa Mrityunjaya (Om Triambakam)
9. Veenaa-Murali (Music Interlude)
10. Geetaa (Karmanye Vadhikaraste)
11. Mangalam (Tala Mantra)
12. Hari Om (Music Interlude)
13. Svara Mantra
14. Vedic Chanting (Two)
15. Prabhujee
16. Sarve Shaam

Amazon.com essential recording

Mantram is Ravi Shankar's effort to set Sanskrit chants from ancient Hindu scriptures to music, and the result is a captivating mix of chant and music. Produced by George Harrison, this collection of mantras and prayers from the Vedas, Upanishads, and other scriptures powerfully transports the listener to a place of peace where it's possible to be one with the universe. It's as if a heavy, enveloping cloak of serenity falls from the dark, floating sounds of cello opening the CD. Shankar employs flute, tamboura, harp, and other instruments to accent the mighty "Om" thread that weaves itself through the cloth of this album, bringing together deep, ominous voices with delicate, earthly instruments. One looking for extensive Shankar sitar might be disappointed, but the beauty of this artist's creativity and spiritual vision sweeps one away into a larger, more meaningful listening experience. Highly recommended. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Soul of Indian classical music - True Gem.......2007-08-06

The CD contains most devoted Hindu vedic mantras with very immersive and soul filling Indian classical music.
The vedic mantras in CD traces back to more than 5000 years Vedas, there is lot of valuable information over internet.
A true masterpiece in Indian classical music.

Classy Indian Chants.......2007-07-24

This is an excellent reproduction of some of the religious chants in the Indian classical music tradition. The recitation and diction is clear and quite precise. A great introduction to religious chants for a novice taking interest in Indian classical music.

Authentic Hindu Chants.......2007-06-14

This is the perfect CD for the beginner who wants to learn Hindu chanting. The words to each song are included in the jacket. The words are easy to understand for the most part given the complexity of the language. And most importantly, the music is hauntingly beautiful. I knew this was a winner when I saw Harrison as producer.

George and Ravi combine worship and melody for a one-of-akind experience.......2007-05-04

Ravi Shankar and George Harrison are two of this world's greatest composers and musicians, so it makes sense that a unified effort would be incredible. It is, but not just because of these two men... To backtrack a little, my Mom and Dad first bought this CD when I was about five; it had George Harrison's name under the word producer and (I think) they were beginning to be interested in the Hindu faith. In those days, and for many years, I had no idea what the words they were saying meant. I was simply captivated by the repeated, strange phrases and the beautiful music they were set to. The music is still one of my favorite parts of the CD and without it, the CD would barley be half of what it is, but now being much older I have had the opportunity to delve into the booklet inside the CD case. These words, whether traditional or written by Ravi Shankar are a beauty in and of themselves. Each one prays for spiritual enlightenment, better knowledge of a diety or knowledge and wisdom in general. The recurring theme of peace and safty/tranquility among all things is also welcome. An example of this earnest praying is "O,Lord lead me from the unreal to the real. Lead me from the darkness to the light [from ignorance to knowledge]. Lead me from death to immortality. May there be peace, peace and perfect peace" ( from track 4, Asato Maa.) Also to be carefully headed are those chants which dwell proper human action, such as "You have but the right to perform action; you have no hold on the results thereof. May you not seek the rewards of action and may you never engage in wrong action.[This is not an excuse for inaction!" ( track 9, Geetaa.) There are other varied but always interesting chants here: instructions by a guru or teacher for his students (track 3, Vedic Chanting One), chants praising certain gods, and most fascinating of all, chants wishing for peace and tranquility. These such as Mangalam (track 11) and Sarve Shaam (track 16 and a huge favorite), combined with beautiful instrumental interludes (those who have seen 'Concert for George' may be reminded of Arpan), and the exquisite instrumentation and production by George Harrison (rest in Son of Hari!) come together to make a sublime and deep, enlightening musical experience. This truly a gorgeous album, incredible to listen to (though to get it just for the beatiful instruments, or the name of the producer for that matter, would be to miss the point.) If I tried to list favorites I'd probably end up listing the whole album. Here are a few highlights: Vandanaa Trayee, the opening track and a beautiful combination of introductory music, three sepearte prayers and interludes, tracks 3 and 14, the two vedic chants, Mangalam, a prayor for peace, and the similar Sarve Shaam, Asato Maa, tracks 5, 7, and 8 (7/8 CAN get repetative after a while,12 and 13 ( atmospheric intstrumental trackss), Geetaa, and a Ravi Shankar original Prabhujee. This, track 15 of 16, is a wondefully melodic, well-produced and warming, beautiful prayer for divine enlightenment and is worth a good listen. Track 2 has an interesting concept to it as well. All in all, this album is a wonderful buy for those interested in Hindu chants, beatuiful music or just spritual enlightenment. Well produced, beautiful instruments, deep, depth-filled chants- what more can the open minded listen want!? 5/5. Om shaantih, Shaantih, Shaantih [Amen; May there be peace, peace and perfect peace.]

uplifting.......2007-04-06

Very peaceful and relaxing music. I got it because I am a George Harrison fan and have seen both George and Ravi Shankar in concert. I also wanted to experience more indian religous music.

Average customer rating: Decent slab of '80s rock it was the heat of an era Timeless Classic Asia - self-titled (Geffen) no me gusto.

Asia Asia Manufacturer: Geffen Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Alpha Astra 90125 The Very Best of Asia: Heat of the Moment (1982-1990) Toto IV ASIN: B000000OMB Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Heat Of The Moment
2. Only Time Will Tell
3. Sole Survivor
4. One Step Closer
5. Time Again
6. Wildest Dreams
7. Without You
8. Cutting It Fine
9. Here Comes The Feeling

Customer Reviews:

Decent slab of '80s rock.......2007-07-27

I'll start off with the negative side of things. Even though it features several notable progressive rock musicians, this album shows little resemblance to that style, so if you're looking for The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway or Dark Side Of The Moon your search is futile. This album has much more in common with Frontiers than the aformentioned records.

That said, if you've ever wondered what it would be like to create a catchy, radio-ready album that still retained the ultraterrestrial atmosphere and flawless musicianship of prog...here is your album, my friend! This record has all the classics: "Heat of the Moment" (which features an excellent prog-style break at 1:43), "Only Time Will Tell", and five others which cracked the Billboard Top 40. As fate would have it, this became one of the archetypal albums of rock in the early '80s.

In short, if you're turned off by the overt fluffiness of bands like Journey and later Electric Light Orchestra, or rediscovering this album after 25 years, then by all means pick this up for the great price of $7.97!

it was the heat of an era.......2007-07-16

Luis Mejia (son) - Four men; John Wetton (King Crimson, Family, Uriah Heep, etc) Steve Howe (Yes), Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake and Palmer) and Geoffrey Downes (The Buggles) made an historical supergroup that enjoyed years of fame and credit, but this album is frozen in time as the greatest example of experience, originality and explosive material.
I am a huge fan of Wetton wich I listened first with Asia and eventually with King Crimson, he became one of my favorite vocalists, Howe was a little unknown to me since I didn't like Yes at first and Downes and Palmer were unknown to me. Later I heard a lot of their past collaborations and I was convinced; this is a band to admire.

This debut album was a stunning hit back in the 80's, making famous classics like Heat Of The Moment and Sole Survivor, but not only fame is on their side, also a lot of musical credit; The sound is completely original, juvenile, soft, potent and with a certain level of complexity. This is obviously their best album ever made, at least in the Wetton's era, and is simply beautiful for anyone who has heard Asia in other moments and perfect for casual listeners because is so comprehensible and accessible to their later moods. It contains original classics like Heat Of The Moment and Sole Survivor, beautifuly written and synthesized songs like Time Again, Here Comes The Feeling, Only Time Will Tell, One Step Closer and Cutting It Fine, and fearfully potent tracks like Wildest Dreams and Without You.

Wetton's voice is incredibly potent and firm, applying stunning vocal ranges among certain songs and excellent choruses among the tracks, Howe's guitar can be heard perfectly and is in their best performance, Downes' keyboards are applyed moderated and with intelligence, not leaving behind other instruments, and Palmer's battery is also performed very touchy and delicate but very firm. Asia made their best effort with this album having each member equal control, one thing lost in later albums.

Well, in conclussion the album is amazing and should be amazing for anyone, well structured, incredibly performed and each track is unique and well thought, my strong recomendations.

Timeless Classic.......2007-07-05

This is one of the few compilations I've owned on Cassette, record Album and CD. When I bought my first IPOD, this was the first piece of music that went on it. Asia is one of my favorite bands ever. To me the album is like a concept album. I can relate something to every song. Each tune has nostalgia. For the first time listener, pay attention to Carl Palmers drumming. If you're a purist like me, you'll appreciate his incredible talent. Wetton and Downes are equally talented. Steve Howe? What can I say? His Lightning fingers do all the talking. I'm a huge fan of "Sole Survivor". In my opinon the best track on the album. "Without you" will give instruction on what a great voice sounds like. Wetton has a beautiful range in his voice. The pseudo rock bands of today can't sing like this. My sons say I'm decade impaired and that I only like the old stuff. I've heard the new stuff... Need I say more?

Asia - self-titled (Geffen).......2007-06-15

Review no. 97. This self-titled effort was, of course Asia's classic debut album, hitting the streets in 1982. So nice to hear it on CD reissue. Asia was never one of my favorite bands from the '80's but I could never resist putting on this record {or disc} and listening to it all the way through. I mean, EVEN if you don't personally care for progressive album rock, no one can argue that this work showed just what four already-accomplished musicians were fully capable of. So many great INSTANT recognizable tracks to thoroughly take in here, there's no need to list them all. Would love to catch their reunion tour at some point. If I remember correctly, Asia appealed to most fans of bands like Marillion, Jethro Tull, Utopia, Moody Blues, Alan Parsons, etc. A must-have.

no me gusto........2007-05-08

no me gusto para nada, tal vez si la hubiera escuchado 25 años atras hubiera estado buena.

Average customer rating: Nice selection of songs, but buyer beware... Should we be ashamed to own this!? Are You Kidding Me? This is Asia We're Talking About... Good Compilation of Songs, Very Bad Sound Quality Good compilation of one of the better 80's bands...

The Very Best of Asia: Heat of the Moment (1982-1990) Asia Manufacturer: Interscope Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ultimate Survivor Night Ranger's Greatest Hits The Essential Toto Loverboy Classics: Their Greatest Hits REO Speedwagon - The Hits ASIN: B00004TKGK Release Date: 2000-06-06

Tracks:

1. Heat Of The Moment
2. Only Time Will Tell
3. Sole Survivor
4. Time Again
5. Wildest Dreams
6. Here Comes The Feeling
7. Don't Cry
8. Daylight
9. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
10. Lying To Yourself
11. The Heat Goes On
12. Never In A Million Years
13. Open Your Eyes
14. Go
15. Voice Of America
16. Too Late
17. Days Like These
18. Ride Easy

Customer Reviews:

Nice selection of songs, but buyer beware..........2007-03-07

This is a good compilation and the sound quality is nice. BUT, I noticed the remastering chopped off a few bars in "Sole Survivor" (very noticeable after the bridge) and "Time Again". I know those songs well and it jolted me a bit. There may be other cuts that I just haven't noticed yet.

If you are a purist, skip this and get the debut album separately. If you're looking only to replace your vinyl, this is fine.

Should we be ashamed to own this!?.......2007-01-03

Last year I saw the movie "The 40 Year Old Virgin" and the band Asia and one of their songs were sort of a running joke in the movie. The lead character was harangued by his friends for having an Asia poster in his apartment. I was like, "Hey, what's wrong with Asia? I used to have one of their records!" I remember when Asia was pretty cool, but I guess now they are looked at with a laugh (as are many of the bands from the 80's). No matter, the music is still great. Certainly a lot better than some of the cuff-me-beat-me death metal on the radio today. Buy the CD, you won't be disappointed.

Are You Kidding Me? This is Asia We're Talking About..........2006-10-31

What's with all the four and five stars for an Asia CD? Is this the Asia Groupie Convention camped out here on Amazon? I'm being generous here with three stars. This was a band of talented musicians who faded fast after their successful debut album. The critics weren't too thrilled with them for a reason: their material was mediocre. There's nothing earth shattering or groundbreaking here. If you're not familiar with the band borrow a cd from someone before you waste your money for two or three good songs.

Good Compilation of Songs, Very Bad Sound Quality.......2006-05-02

I love all the songs on this cd. I can't argue with the selection, but when I plopped it into my cd play I was shocked at how bad the songs sounded. For a cd from a band like Asia to succeed you need to have a crisp sounding cd. The sound here is tainted...even when you turn it up. I would think there are better Asia greatest hits out there.

Good compilation of one of the better 80's bands..........2005-10-19

Ok, I didn't give it 4 stars because being a purist I didn't like the stuff from the later albums (after Astra) as much as those early stuff. But I have fond memories as a teenager listening to Asia. Their music, for what is worth, is full of great textures and melodies. Do I think they are the epitome of great rock music or the end all of prog rock? No, but I give them due because their music moved me and still does: the guilty pleasures of their simple catchy riffs but with story and drama. I don't think Asia set out to revolutionize rock and roll in the 80's, they were just a group of seasoned musicians having fun without the trappings of the earlier days of prog rock glam. While many of my school mates listened to the likes of Ratt and the Crew (the real hair band stuff), Asia's music gripped me because it was full of drama as any true prog rock should be. Now, many of my buddies who sneer at Asia inevitably admit to have bought the first ablum because something about the band's music (amidst all the new wave bore of the early 80's) stood out.

Now I listen to much of what is being played in the FM stations and long for the days when music on the radio meant something. Just listen to the track "Voice of America" and you will realise the lyrics are so relevant now.

Average customer rating: Great stuff IF YOU MEDITATE Not available per song on iTunes Old School Trance Music, if you will Great meditation music

Tibetan Tantric Choir Gyuto Monks Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Tibet | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music Meditation | New Age | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | New Age | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Freedom Chants from the Roof of the World Sacred Tibetan Chant Tibetan Master Chants Seven Metals Singing Bowls of Tibet Tibetan Sacred Temple Music ASIN: B000000NIB Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Guhyasamaja Tantra, Chapter ll
2. Melody For Mahakala

Amazon.com

Nothing can prepare the uninitiated for the shocking sound of Tibetan throat singing, and these two liturgical pieces, each clocking in at near 25 minutes, are among the best, and most chilling, examples. The Gyuto Monks, in exile in India since the annexation of their native Tibet, have developed a tradition of singing that involves producing the lowest possible notes in the vocal range while simultaneously singing high overtones. The resulting sound suggests a symphony of inspired bullfrogs whose passion is Buddha, not Budweiser, croaking endlessly while rotating a wet foot around the perimeter of a giant wineglass. Which is a pretty mundane metaphor for music that produces such a powerful sense of dread and spiritual awe. Track 2 also includes clattering drums, some made of human crania. Spice Girls it ain't.... --James Rotondi

Customer Reviews:

Great stuff.......2007-04-10

I've been looking for a Gyuto Monks CD for some time. This really hits the spot.

IF YOU MEDITATE.......2006-03-16

IF YOU MEDITATE OR EVEN LIKE CALM AND RELAXING SOUNDS YOU WILL LOVE THIS CD. I USUALLY PUT IT ON FIRST THING IN THE MORNING WHEN I ARISE TO MEDITATE AND THEN TO REVIEW MY DAY. THIS CD IS BOUND TO RELAX AND SOOTHE THE RESTLESS SPIRIT. IN THE EVENING BEFORE RETIRING I AGAIN LISTEN TO THESE ENCHANTING SOUNDS TO PREPARE FOR A DEEP SLEEP. THE VOICES OF THESE MONKS ARE INCREDIBLY COMPLEX, CAPTURES ONES COMPLETE ATTENTION AND IS TOTALLY ENJOYABLE.

Not available per song on iTunes.......2006-02-22

I have much enjoyed this and the "Freedom Chants from the Roof of the World" recordings of the Gyuto Monks (this one being my favorite). A correction: this music is sold as an album on iTunes for $9.99. The songs aren't available separately, and you are only getting the bitrate and format provided by iTunes. If that meets your needs, then you might try it out. I for one buy the CDs and rip them myself.

Old School Trance Music, if you will.......2006-01-15

If you love shopping at the mall, watching Judge Judy, and spending hours up on hours searching for shoes online, you are going to LOVE this record. Well, you need it.

Great meditation music.......2005-08-02

I've been listening to the Gyuto Monks during my daily meditations. The music is beyond explanation... simply amazing. It has greatly improved my meditative experience.

Average customer rating: Classic Ravi Shankar The Sounds of India Mera Bharat...actually 4.73 stars Diesappointing Much Talking on CD

The Sounds of India Ravi Shankar Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | International General | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Far East & Asia | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Far East & Asia | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | India | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | India | International | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 International | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Chants Of India: Ravi Shankar; George Harrison The Essential Ravi Shankar Three Ragas West Meets East: The Historic Shankar Menuhin Collection A Morning Raga/An Evening Raga ASIN: B0000024SZ Release Date: 1989-07-20

Tracks:

1. An Introduction To Indian Music
2. Dadra
3. Maru-Bihag
4. Bhimpalis
5. Sindhi-Bhairavi

Amazon.com essential recording

This 1960s classic is a perfect introduction not only to Ravi Shankar's brilliant work on the sitar, but also to classical Indian music in general. Shankar offers brief, informative explanations of Indian ragas, scales, rhythms, song structures, and time signatures to set the stage for each spiritual piece he, Chatur Lal (tabla), and N.C. Mullick (tamboura) perform. Though Western listeners may not be able intellectually to pinpoint the subtle purposes of the various ragas' rhythms and movements, unconsciously listeners will feel them vividly. For instance, the plodding tension created by the 2/3/2/3 rhythm in "Máru-Bihág" well reflects the raga's poetic metaphor of separated, longing lovers. The loose, playful improvisation on "Sindhi-Bhairavi" mirrors the passionate romance of lovers. Overall, classical Indian music is diverse and complex, but The Sounds of India simplifies it beautifully for those interested in exploring it and its greatest ambassador. --Karen Karleski

Customer Reviews:

Classic Ravi Shankar.......2007-07-24

This is Classic Ravi Shankar. The bonus is that this production has a tutorial that introduces the music to a novice listener. Highly recommended.

The Sounds of India.......2007-04-09

I have enjoyed Ravi Shankar since the 70's, when he was "in." In my opinion, he still is. He is a master of the sitar and his explanations of the music was the only thing that I did not care for. I would much preferred that that brief time had been spent in playing more beautiful music. But, I would recommend it to anyone who likes the sitar as I have never heard anyone who has a command of it like Ravi.

Mera Bharat...actually 4.73 stars.......2007-03-24

I owe a lot to this album. I was just seventeen years old in 1993, in southwest Kansas when I bought it. Believe me, southwest Kansas, though I love the land, is devoid of culture outside of farmer/rancher/Mexicano. It was the first foreign music I heard, though I heard the sitar a few times in Beatles music. I bought it on a whim. It was a real daring thing for a Mexican/American in middle America. The minute I heard the first tones, I was hooked, and the rest is history. Shortly after that, I bought Vidwan: Music of South India -- Songs of the Carnatic Tradition. Since then, I have gotten countless Hindustani and Carnatic CD's, as well as music from Nepal. I wrote my senior term paper about Hindustani Music, started learning Hindi, started eating Indian food, began playing the tabla, and as a dream come true, I went to India with my wife in 2005 for two months. I guess you could say I fell in love with India, and it all started with this album. Shows you what music can do.

Onto the review - I love the main intro as well as the intros to each of the ragas. The music is very good, and although the developments of the ragas are short, they adequately express the beauty contained within the ragas. There are, of course, better albums out there, but this is very good intro to the world of Hindustani Music. Buy this and you will be pleased. For a kick, buy it with Vidwan: Music of South India -- Songs of the Carnatic Tradition, so as to get a real feel of both the Hindustani and Carnatic traditions. Both of them were released in 1968, both are very classy, and both are available on this site.

Try it out, it'll take you far like it has me...

Diesappointing.......2007-02-06

Too much instrruction on what a raga ia and the different types. I really don't care about that. I just wanterd music.

Much Talking on CD.......2006-08-22

This guy really knows his stuff. It is indeed an introduction to the music with much talking on the CD. I was looking for something more mellow for prayer time. This music is very fast but very good. -Beth, 43, Louisiana

Average customer rating: shaking rythym More techno cr@p Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 4 Tweaked belly dance

Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 4 Various Artists Manufacturer: Cia - Copeland Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Desert Roses, Vol. 4 Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 3 Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 2 The Belly and the Beat Bellydance Superstars ASIN: B000JBWVRK Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

1. Enta Omri (Remix) - Elie Attieh
2. Bel Arabi - Saad
3. Batwannis Beek - The Reg Project
4. Asoufak Youm - Hoda
5. Layali Al Sharq - The Al-Ahram Orchestra
6. Sana Wara Sana - Nancy Ajram
7. Turbo Tabla 4 - Turbo Tabla
8. Ala Meen - Amina
9. Aataba - Darine Hadchiti
10. Arabiyon Ana - Yuri Mrakadi
11. Zaina - Petrol Bomb Samosa
12. Hattegy Tany - Pascal Machaalani
13. Drum Solo Wassan Pharaouin - Issam Houshan

Customer Reviews:

shaking rythym.......2007-06-27

this superstar volume 4 was just what I needed for my class, easy to follow and choreograph. Also purchased volumes 2 and 3. I already owned volume 1. Will keep shopping Amazon.

More techno cr@p.......2007-05-24

I liked tracks 6 & 12. The original long version of Batawanees Beek makes the hair on my arms stand up! This one leaves me cold. I think most of this techno stuff is just too busy for me. Frantic, repetitive, and feels like an aerobic class. You can't interpret the rhythm/melody with that d!mn#d overpowering beat! What happened to the emotion? Isn't that the whole point behind art?

Bellydance Superstars, Vol. 4 .......2007-03-27

I like this cd. It presents a variaty of songs and rythms that makes it not boring...

Tweaked.......2007-03-19

I was somewhat disappointed that a heavy bass beat - not beledy - has been added to many of the songs, so the rock-n-roll/hip hop aspect was a bit much.

belly dance.......2007-03-05

Ididn't like much this CD because the music is well known, a bit too much maybe, and even if it's new recording, there is no surprise at all except for the last drumming .

Average customer rating: Solid Introduction to India's Master Musician This is Perfect if You Want Just One Ravi Shankar CD The Sitar Master Excellent introduction to the legendary musician

The Essential Ravi Shankar Ravi Shankar Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD India | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | India & Pakistan | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | Reggae | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Sounds of India Chants Of India: Ravi Shankar; George Harrison Three Ragas A Morning Raga/An Evening Raga West Meets East: The Historic Shankar Menuhin Collection ASIN: B000AO4NL8 Release Date: 2005-10-04

Tracks:

1. An Introduction To Indian Music
2. Dadra
3. Kafi-Holi (Spring Festival Of Colors)
4. Raga Des
5. Raga Palas Kafi (Excerpt)
6. Sitar Todi
7. Dhun: Fast Teental (Excerpt)

Tracks:

1. Swara-Kakali
2. Discovery Of India
3. Vandanaa Trayee
4. Village Dance
5. Raga Minature
6. Sandhya Raga
7. Memory Of Uday
8. Shanti Mantra
9. Ragas In Minor Scale
10. Chappaqua
11. Friar Park
12. Vaishnava janato/Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram
13. Offering

Customer Reviews:

Solid Introduction to India's Master Musician.......2006-03-31

Master musician Ravi Shankar makes the following observations in the opening track, "An introduction to Indian Music" (from 1957's THE SOUNDS OF INDIAN MUSIC): "The improvisation is the highlight in Indian music. The sheer joy of creating on the spot by a musician, always coming back to the main theme in the raga he has chosen is what listeners look forward to....The Western listener will appreciate and enjoy our music if he listens with an open and relaxed mind." And for more than two and a half hours, Shankar takes us on a musical journey that covers five decades of recordings.

Disc 1: Out of the East (74:40)

Most of these tracks are ragas and are taken from his albums of the fifties and sixties. The most recent is "Dhun: Fast Teental" from 1967, the same year Shankar earned both the Billboard Recording Artist and Musician of the year honors. All tracks feature a small ensemble with Shankar accompanied only by tabla and tambura (and sarod on "Raga Palas Kafi)."

Disc 2: Into the West (78:29)

The tracks on this disc feature Shankar in collaboration with Western musicians. "Swara-Kakali" features famed violinist Yehudi Menuhin. "Discovery of India" is from the soundtrack album GHANDI, for which Shankar received an Oscar nomination for best score. There are two tracks from 1990's PASSAGES, which teamed Shankar with minimalist composer Phillip Glass. "Ragas in Minor Scale" features Shankar's ensemble playing a Glass composition, while "Offering" has Glass's ensemble performing a Shankar composition (the only track that Shankar does not perform on).

And, of course, it's only fitting that Shankar's most famous disciple be included. No fewer than three tracks feature George Harrison on autoharp: "Village Dance," "Memory of Uday" (Harrison also plays synthesizer on these two tracks), and "Friar Park." In addition, Harrison produced "Vandanaa Trayee."

This is a solid introduction to the music of India's best known musical ambassador. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

This is Perfect if You Want Just One Ravi Shankar CD.......2006-03-10

It is not too often that you see a compilation compact disc that has all the essential tracks of an artist. It seems that the musicians always want to leave out a few so that you have to buy more CDs from them.

This CD, however, is truly made up of the best of Ravi Shankar. If you only wish to own one Ravi Shankar CD then this is for you.

The Sitar Master.......2006-03-04

This collection offers an accessible way to experience the works of Ravi Shankar, the man most responsible for what awareness there is in the West of Indian classical music traditions. The two-disc set is quite expansive: Disc one features pieces from 1957 to Shankar's Western "breakthrough" at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, while disc two features 13 tracks from 1967 to 1990. Highlights include: "Swara-Kakali," an impassioned instrumental duet that Shankar recorded with violinist Yehudi Menuhin in 1967; "Dhun: Fast Teental," an excerpt from his legendary performance at Monterey; several pieces from his work with George Harrison, including "Village Dance" and "Friar's Park;" and the delightful opening track on which Shankar himself introduces some of the basic elements of Indian classical style.

Harrison declared Shankar the "Godfather of world music," as the back of the CD indicates, and this collection is a perfect testament to why that's true. While the form may not be to everyone's taste here in the West, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable entree into--or a more skilled ambassador of--this beautiful musical heritage.

Excellent introduction to the legendary musician.......2006-02-04

Into his 6th decade as a professional musician, 85 year-old Pandit Ravi Shankar is sometimes described as the father of world music and, "...his genius and his humanity can only be compared to that of Mozart's," according to Yehudi Menuhin. His impact on the music world, with his 90-something recordings and decades of touring, including sold out shows during his current tour, is absolutely immense. If there's someone else currently alive who has been an influential virtuoso for as long, I can not think of their name. Miles Davis would have been close but he passed away 1991. I'm also disappointed to see that on his upcoming tour, he's playing several Canadian cities, but not Winnipeg, where I live! He's selling out 2000 seat concert halls and could easily do the same here.

This two-CD set is actually more thoughtfully compiled than I imagined. Among my favorite recordings of his would be the 1990 album "Passages" - a true desert island recording - with Phillip Glass (1937). I assumed that album was too esoteric to be represented here, but it is, by two selections on disc 2. Disc 1, entitled "Out Of The East", features mostly ragas, spanning the decade from 1957 - 1967, from notable albums such as "The Sounds of India" (1954), "The Genius of Ravi Shankar" (1957) and "India's Master Musician" (1963.) "Into The West" is the title of disc 2 and it's 13 tracks, not surprisingly, feature Shankar performing with the likes of violinist Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999), George Harrison (1943-2001), guitarist Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and minimalist composer Phillip Glass.

I happen to like the traditional ragas but also the newer, easier-to-digest material, such as the George Harrison collaboration "Village Dance" from 1987's "Tana Mana."

At the beginning of disc 1, Ravi Shankar narrates a 5 minute introduction to Indian classical music and at the end suggests best how western listeners can enjoy it.

What I like about the music on disc 2 is, I will shamelessly admit, the ease of remembering the music and being able to identify it during subsequent listens. Some of the tracks have taken on a soundtrack feel to them, which will not please those who prefer traditional ragas.

By and large, you don't listen to Indian classical music hoping to get the same experience as you would from most other forms of music, including European classical music. You let yourself get lost in the experience, the journey, and forget about repetition and familiarity. You can listen to a 15 minute raga and hear something new each time. The music is too rich to be absorbed in one listening and there's no way you can pick up your instrument of choice and repeat the entire raga that you have just listened to. For those with a fertile mind, the melodies are truly heaven sent.

I'm always skeptical when record companies package compilations since they are rarely completely satisfying with their obvious omissions and inclusions of new but usually weak material. Columbia has tackled Ravi Shankar with a liberal representation of his works, but it won't necessarily please everyone. For those with broad tastes who are not Shankar experts, it's a great collection to have. Included in the liner notes is a brief but enjoyable article by Hank Bordowitz.

Average customer rating: Beautiful Music Good introduction to Shakuhachi As it says on the package music for meditation, comtemplation and regeneration Shakuhachi - The Japanese Flute

Shakuhachi - The Japanese Flute Kohachiro Miyata Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Japan | Far East | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Shakuhachi Meditation Music Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi The Art of Japanese Bamboo Flute & Koto Koto Music of Japan The Very Best of Japanese Music ASIN: B000005IWN Release Date: 1991-04-17

Tracks:

1. Honshirabe
2. Sanya
3. Tusuru No Sugomori
4. Shika No Tone
5. Akita Sugagaki

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Music.......2007-08-01

The playing is superb and the music also. My only reservation is that at 34 or so minutes the album is too short, almost cruelly so.

Good introduction to Shakuhachi.......2007-05-17

I bought this CD to get a basic idea of the some of the classic sounds of Shakuhachi. I am a beginning player so this was essential to hearing a particular style and capabilities of a master artist.

I'd recommend this to anyone interested in Shakuhachi or if you just want some meditational style music.

As it says on the package.......2007-04-07

For anyone curious about Shakuhachi music, this is a great place to start. Traditionally this is a contemplative music, played alone or with a very small audience, hence it is devoid of crowd pleasing flourishes, allowing the listener to focus in on tiny subtleties. The first couple of tracks feature a longer and deeper sounding shakuhachi, rarely heard but possibly even more hauntingly beautiful than the standard sized instrument.
This was originally released on vinyl from a 1976 recording, so at 34 minutes it's rather a short CD, the recording is excellent, capturing every nuance.

music for meditation, comtemplation and regeneration.......2007-01-17

I first became interested in Japanese music through watching the films of Akira Kurosawa. His movies are as much an auditory as visual experience. He incorporates music from the traditional Japanese Noh theatre into his 'jidaigeki' (period drama) films. It is this music, perhaps more then the scenery which transports you to a different time and age. Noh music is very simple combing flutes and drums. Noh is a very minimalist form of theatre. only a bare minimum for the aesthetic stage and music allows the viewer to focus in on the performer and the drama upon them. By minimizing the art you see more. Shakuhachi takes this minimizing effect further by only presenting flute music and the outcome is inspirational. This music defies explanation, it is very simple yet concurrently extraordinarily complex for it can combine emotion of solitude and contemplation with joy and compassion. I cannot currently recommend any other music which allows one to look deep into oneself and at the same time feel joined with the greater world. Highly recommended for anyone looking for music to relax, meditate, think, and understand the larger world around them.

Shakuhachi - The Japanese Flute.......2007-01-12

This was one of the first Japanese traditional music cds I wanted. If you watch a lot of kung foo movies, you will recognize this sound as it is usually played during a meditation or at the beginning of a fight scene.

This is a great cd if you wanting to relax or it would be great to play during dinner as a subtle background music.

If you are wanting something more upbeat, I highly suggest the "Japanese Taiko" with Joji Hirota.

Average customer rating: Relaxing and educational A beautiful look into Japanese folk music. A Brilliant Microcosm of Japanese Music I like it a lot Beautiful Instrumentals, Minimal Vocals

Traditional Vocal And Instrumental Music (Japan) Ensemble Nipponia Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Japan | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | Far East & Asia | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Japan | Far East | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music $8.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $8.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Japan: Kabuki & Other Traditional Music Koto Music of Japan Lullaby For The Moon : Japanese Music For Koto And Shakuhachi The Very Best of Japanese Music Traditional Japanese Music ASIN: B000005IWK Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Kumoi Jishi - Kohachiro Miyata
2. Ozatsuma - Hirokazu Sugiura
3. Ogi No Mato ('The Folding Fan as a Target') - Ayako Handa
4. Edo Lullaby - Kohachiro Miyata, Hirokazu Sugiura, Ayako Handa, Keiko Nosaka, Sachiko Miyamoto, Minoru Miki
5. Godanginuta - Keiko Nosaka, Sachiko Miyamoto
6. Esashi Oiwake ('Esashi Pack-horseman's Song') - Kohachiro Miyata
7. Mushi No Aikata ('Insect Interlude') - Hirokazu Sugiura
8. Azuma Jishi ('Azuma Lion Dance') - Ayako Handa, Kohachiro Miyata, Hirokazu Sugiura, Keiko Nosaka

Customer Reviews:

Relaxing and educational.......2007-08-04

This is my first Japanese music cd and I have to say that it's great for beginners. Inside the cover, there's a little information about Japanese music and the instruments used. It says for example: "The shamisen is a three-stringed instrument whose nearest Western analog is the banjo. It is played with a large ivory plectrum held in the right hand..."
They also explain each of the songs and the instruments used in parenthesis. For example # 1: "Kumoi Jishi (shakuhachi) This shakuhachi solo is played on a 2.1 foot instrument, and is characteristic of meditational music..."
I didn't know that Japanese music was relaxing. By the middle of the cd, I feel very, very relaxed. Unfortunately, the cd lasts only 45 minutes.

A beautiful look into Japanese folk music........2007-03-09

Japanaphiles who arent very familiar with Japanese culture, or just starting out, will enjoy the beautiful arrangements and compositions of the Nipponia Ensemble. Using traditional Japanese instruments such as the Shamisen, and the Koto, the ensemble paints vivid musical imagery that is both tragic and beautiful. A must have for those just getting interested in Japanese folk music.

A Brilliant Microcosm of Japanese Music.......2006-05-27

This really is one of the best CDs of Japanese music out there. The music is incredible, with virtuosi performances by the Ensemble Nipponia that are talented, inspired, authentic, and approachable. Every track is a wonder to hear. The music itself covers a broad range of different types and moods of Japanese music and features all four of the major musical instruments (clearly identified on the track list on the back), making this CD the perfect crash course in Japan's music for those just beginning to acquaint themselves with it--and of course it's a classic that bears repeated listenings over the years for those whose acquaintance is longer.

I like it a lot.......2005-09-16

I have heard Japanese music since very young, and found this to be a good overview for a beginer to Japanese music.

Beautiful Instrumentals, Minimal Vocals.......2001-02-08

I really can't add to the other well written reviews other than to reassure those that don't much care for Japanese vocals (as one of the other reviewers said, usually an aquired taste to Occidental ears). There are only two tracks on the disc that contain vocals. Fortunately, in my case, this was the CD that got me over my distaste for Japanese traditional singing. Although I still prefer pure instrumental, I now perceive, albeit dimly, a certain beauty in the sparse, haunting singing. To put it more bluntly, it no longer makes me wince.

Don't let your dislike of Japanese traditional vocals keep you from owning this CD: the music is phenomonal and it's a truly enriching experience to listen to.

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